20 MARCH 2018

Malinovsky Claims WBO European Title Against Berchuk

By D. Mossienko at ringside: Ukraine’s undefeated Oleg Malinovski (18-0-0) won a close split decision in the fight with stubborn Russian Ruslan Berchuk on the ring in Kiev Sports Palace. The fight headlined K2 powerhouse boxing card.

It was a close fight with one of the judges even scoring 95:95. Brave Russian came to fight on the ring in the booked solid Kiev Sports Palace, and proved he was worth every cent paid for his performance in the 10 rounder against southpaw Oleg Malinovsky fighting in his own back yard. Malinovsky slick and careful manner paid off well in early rounds, as Russian ate some leather both from the right jab and from Malinovsky’s crisp left hand shots.

However, Berchuk corner eventually urged him to mount pressure to the level, when the short handed Russian eventually managed to pierce Malinovsky defense and started landing punches both to the body and to the head. The final two rounds both fighters spent in quite Mexican kind of slug fest.

To Malinovsky’s honor, his self-discipline and careful defense saved him from a lot of trouble, Oleg once again proved to be a very disciplined tactical fighter with clever advise coming from the corner.